The Ukrainian invasion has affected the world already, and with any war there is also propaganda where the true facts are never discovered until the war has ended. Therefore, we should take what we read from both sides with a pinch of salt, because when there is an active war taking place, neither side are going to give out information that will hamper their operations.
The world has changed whether we wish to admit it or not. Bodies such as the EU, ICC, UN and NATO have been tested in a short space of time to see how they respond to a world crisis, and to see how much power to they really yield. They all arose from the need to keep peace in the world, yet all these bodies are headed by career politicians and those who wish to make a name for themselves. After 24 days, they have managed to fail humanity.
After the Putin rally at the Luzhiniki Stadium yesterday, how can anyone possibly think that Putin is ready to concede and pack up his troops and leave without getting what he came for? The rally was a celebration concert to commemorate the eighth anniversary of the illegal annexation of Crimea. How many Russians really support the war, and how many were there for a day off and because they were told to go?
What is clear, is that Putin and his followers believe they have a right to invade Ukraine, and believe they are ‘saving’ those in Ukraine. When he talks of his plans he has made that he is carrying out, we presume that is his plan to resurrect the USSR. Europe, in fact the world should be concerned. World War III is already here, but no one wants to admit to it. When a country chooses a side to support, then that is the beginning of a war.
NATO had one principal aim, and that was to deter and prevent Russia from attacking and occupying another country by force in Europe. When it came to the crunch, they failed. What is the solution? Perhaps a more constructive and contemporary alliance needs to be formed that is flexible enough to adapt to the needs of humanity? NATO doesn’t seem fit for purpose any longer, and it was a body that we all hoped would make sure World War III would never happen, but it has unofficially begun.
It is a sunny weekend, and many of us will be out and about enjoying the weather but I cannot help but feel a little guilty when people are trapped in shelters and cellars, under rubble, not knowing if they will live or die. I read an account about a survivor who said they were trapped in a dark shelter for 10 days with no food, water or heat. Multiply that by thousands or even millions over the last month and that is what this invasion has done—it has robbed people of their right to live a peaceful life in their home and country how they wished. No one asked Putin to ‘save’ them, and no one wants to be saved by him if dropping cruise missiles on towns is his way of saving people.
I cannot image the fear that the Ukrainians are going through—it is a dark time, yet they are fighting to retain and defend their freedom. Many would have had plans for Spring, and now they are escaping when necessary, while others board buses or trains to other countries for safety, not knowing where they will end up and what will lie in store for them. It’s scary, unsettling, and all so very wrong.
I can spell Mariupol and Melitopol without having to check because I have written about the attacks on them too often—somehow, that seems all wrong too. I knew where Ukraine was before this, and a bit about their history, and it always had a reputation for being ‘Russian’. Now we all know better, and that Ukrainians wish to be a democratic and independent state, and those of us in free and democratic countries should help them achieve that goal. Is that a big ask, for many countries have had to fight for freedom at some point in their history? Isn’t it our turn now? We just happen to be living through one of those historic periods, and should do what we can to help rather than to make excuses.
I remember when the Berlin Wall came down—no one thought it could happen, but it did and is symbolic of the fact that humanity can change bad things in the world. We have to work together and be brave enough to do it. That is what the Ukrainians are doing, but they need more than words of support, for what happens to Ukraine affects all of us, and how humanity will evolve in the coming years. Communism is a dirty word, based on an ideology that was incompatible with human nature. Those who have lived in communist states yearn to be free of the regimented rules and corruption it breeds, and it would be regressive to allow communism to thrive.
There are volunteers driving across to Poland to deliver aid and now Fire Engines packed with essential supplies. People are doing their bit to help if NATO and other bodies can’t muster up the courage to do what they need to. As I write, I can hear a military aircraft flying over. No one dare say it, but countries are bracing themselves for war. Can peace talks genuinely halt Putin’s plans whatever they are? Somehow I doubt that, and most of us know that there is only one way to stop Putin, for this is not a Russian war, but the Putin war. If Ukraine falls, or concedes any of their territory then it is a blow for democracy and freedom across the world. We, as a collective humanity cannot let this happen.
Day 24 (19 March)
Zelenskyy is promoting the fast-tracked EU membership suggesting that it will be a matter of months to finalize. While the EU at present is not a military alliance it does offer some protection in terms of governance, and economically. Ukraine will need the EU’s assistance in rebuilding the country and as many EU countries border Ukraine it is also in their interests as many refugees will be reliant on their host EU countries. The idea that he is willing to agree to neutrality and never join or set up a military alliance seems at odds with his eagerness and enthusiasm to join the EU.
A petition is being signed to set up a Nuremberg style trial in order to try Putin for his war crimes. While I don’t disapprove, the focus should be on trying to save Ukraine and the freedom of Europe first, because if you don’t defend Europe and Putin succeeds, then a tribunal to try him is of little use.
Putin has allegedly agreed to talks with Zelenskyy according to the Turkish, where Putin had originally refused to meet with Zelenskyy and sent his minions to represent him instead. However, after the recent rally, and more bombings, are these the actions of someone seeking peace talks? Zelenskyy cares about his people and soldiers, yet I doubt Putin cares about what the Russian people think or want let alone the Russian troops.
Bosch has halted production in their Russian factories and are being investigated as it is claimed that they make parts for Russian military vehicles. That would be in violation of the current sanctions.
Mariupol is being attacked while rescue workers try to free the trapped during the bombing of the theatre on 16 March.
There have been multiple deaths after the attack on the Mykolaiv military base, and could be bombed again.
Zaporizhzhia has a weekend curfew as an anticipated attack will take place.
Kinzhal hypersonic missiles have been used by the Russians during the attack in Ivano-Frankivsk, that destroyed an ammunitions warehouse. That is why the Ukrainians ask for the skies to be protected. One can send aid, rebuild buildings, but they can’t resurrect people when they are dead.
The Polish Prime Minister (Mateus Morawiecki) has put forward a proposal for a total ban on trade with Russia by EU states. Being so close to Russia, Poland is quite right to push for stricter sanctions for they could be attacked next, and they have a better understanding of how the communist states operate. No half measures— a full ban to isolate is the only way forward if you wish to prevent the Russians from being able to fund the war.
Three Russians cosmonauts have joined the International Space Station on a planned science mission that is set to last six months. They wore blue uniforms as standard, but when they arrived they wore yellow and blue ones that may or may not represent the Ukrainian flag.
We are not guilty for living our lives day to day, OH, that is the irresistible nature of the life force. But I do share your feelings of guilt and have since the beginning of this horror when I saw the handwriting on the wall, for being part of a force that has exposed the facade of its moral posturing. I haven't observed Lent in many a year, but this year gave up wine, something I love but have always taken in moderation. This is a symbol of Christ's sacrifice, of course, but a common spiritual discipline in other faiths as well: the daily absence of something one wants can serve as a reminder of many things. This year, it reminds me of others' suffering not too far away and of the failure of my region to do what it should to make it stop. The news each morning can do the same thing, but not in the same way. I won't say it helps much, but it's all I can do.
I've always been a come and go sort of Christian, it's part of my heritage, yet I don't believe everything I hear in the pews and have quite a few issues with the CoE; I am also partial to liturgical music, so it's always been a mixed bag for me. But I'm finding myself going back more often this season. It's a sign of how great the need for comfort is that the West's failures are generating, never mind desperately asking for help for those on the front line of this tragedy.
I will never see the letters NATO again the same way. The West needs to understand that it is selling damaged goods now. TC
This is the saddest statement of all: "One can send aid, rebuild buildings, but they can’t resurrect people when they are dead." They've hidden behind NATO and now they hide behind "he's so strong and doing such a great job without us." I have this odd fascination with the show, "Engineering Catastrophes." That is what I'm seeing here. We can all see the cracks in the Ukraine, yet governments want to continue to just keep plugging the holes here and there, no one wants to make the hard decision, until it's far too late and Ukraine gives way. Regardless how strong a bridge or dam are, once the cracks start, eventually there will be catastrophic failure. Without the no-fly zone, NATO is engineering a disaster in the Ukraine.